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The Long Stretch and Push

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Take a look at the pictures and think about getting water on the fire to the upper floor and/or making rescues. This building is one that is old and not sprinklered. It sits off of the road and aerial access is extremely limited, almost ineffective.

When looking at this type of building we need to consider the construction type, occupancy, access and egress points and any special hazards. What are our initial resources and what should we have coming on the way? This building is four stories and is a dormartory at a college. The corridor length is 225 from stairwell to stairwell. As you look at the building in the picture, the stairwell on the right is more remote from a parking surface than the one on the left. The elevation that you see in the picture from this side is the same on the opposite side.

There is a basement under this building with tunnels that lead to other campus buildings with limited access and egress where kids sneak away to do what kids sneak away to do. There is a great deal of combustible storage in these basements and tunnels.

Type 3 construction is the type of building we are dealing with and the interior has been altered over the years. There is an automatic alarm system but no standpipes. Water supply is limited; the closest hydrant is approximately 300 feet from where you would likely place first in companies and that hydrant, if laid from, would severely hinder access by other units because of only one access to the campus.

So, here we go……..what are your tactics and why? Watch the video and let everyone know what you would do and why. Use this for discussion purposes and relate it to buildings that you might have in your jurisdiction. Share your thoughts and ideas.

Train hard and we hope to see most of you at FDIC 2012 next week.

 

 

Posted by on April 9, 2012 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, FDIC 2012, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, ladder truck/aerial devices, rescues, search, self rescue, situational awareness, size up, Training, training-development, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Balloon Frame Construction: From the Inside

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This short clip show balloon frame construction from the inside. With Engine House Training, LLC this summer, we had the opportunity to hold a class in this building. It was going to be torn down and the interior wall coverings in most of the house had been removed. That exposed the balloon frame construction characteristics that we so often speak of but seldom have the chance to see.

Use this however you like and share it.  Hopefully, this will help someone to better understand the meaning of balloon frame buildings and to ensure proper tactics are used with these structures.

Keep training and pass on your knowledge to others. Share the gift.

Posted by on November 18, 2011 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire stopping, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, self rescue, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , ,

Apartment Fire Considerations

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This is another video I put together. I have been getting positive feedback on this format, so I will continue to do this.

We are addressing some concerns and challenges with apartment fires. This building is of the garden apartment style but this same type of building can be a stand alone as well.

As always, this is not the only considerations when looking at apartment fires. Follow your guidelines and get out to your response areas to become familiar with similar buildings.

Until next time, stay safe and ring those bells tomorrow and say a prayer for all of the fallen and their families.

Posted by on October 15, 2011 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, forcible entry, rescues, search, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Fire Service Books

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This is a little off the beaten path for me and my blogs, but it is something that I have been paying more attention to lately.  I have been laid up from a hernia repair and have been reading and doing a little research for other projects and it occurred to me that I utilize the same three books on a regular basis.

No matter what level you are at in the fire service, you should be building a decent sized library of fire/emergency related books.  This is one more method to staying sharp and on top of your game.  Having quality information to turn to for those forgotten tricks of the trade or to remember a characteristic of a certain type of construction is paramount and makes you a better firefighter.

Here are the three books that I use on a regular basis and why.

1. “Building Construction for the Fire Service,” 3rd Edition, by Francis L. Brannigan.

This book was one I got during the mid 90′s for a college course and I have it highlighted, marked and it is never too far from my grasp. The great thing about this book is that it has never gotten outdated.  The information is still relevant and insightful.  This is definitely one book that should be on your shelf.

Make sure you look at the “Tactical Considerations” in the chapters that give some ideas on how to apply the lessons to firefighting tactics.

2.  ”Collapse of Burning Buildings: A Guide to Fireground Safety,”  by Vincent Dunn

This book has a great deal of content that is covered in Brannigan’s book but more directly applied to the collapse of these buildings.  Chief Dunn goes into great detail how these buildings collapse and the problems that different types of collapses cause.

The illustrations are great examples for those that need some visual help and you can apply this information immediately as a firefighter and fire officer.  This book is a great tool to have company discussions with. Sit down with your crew and pick a chapter or topic and start playing out scenarios in your jurisdiction where these dangers exist.

3. “Safety and Survival on the Fireground,” by Vincent Dunn.

This book is everything firefighting.  Just about anything that you want to know about firefighting is in here. The great thing is that the information is short, to the point and easy to apply to situations.

Keeping these books and others within reach is a good way to stay engaged. These resources gives you valuable information at your fingertips when you need it. It is also a good way to pass on information to others and to have meaningful conversation about “fire stuff.”

Stay safe and keep your mind on the task at hand, becoming a better firefighter.

Other places to get books for the fire service:

Fire Engineering

Fire Service Books

FireBooks.com

FireRescue1

IFSTA

The Fire Barn

These are just a few, if you know of others, please let us know.

Posted by on February 4, 2011 • Filed under: backdraft, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, forcible entry, heavy timber, high rise, i joists, search, self rescue, situational awareness, size up, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses, vacant building fires, vent, ventilation, VES • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Type II Construction

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We recently took a look at Type I construction and the characteristics associated with it.  Basically, Type I construction is also referenced as fire resistive construction.  The question always becomes, what is fire resistive?

We have to remember that a Type I building has structural components that are non-combustible and then is rated, usually at two hours or higher.  In addition, the components are commonly protected. This protection comes from fire resistive products applied to the structural components.

So, what is Type II construction.  The easiest way to define a Type II building is that is has the same structural characteristics as a Type I in that it is non-combustible construction.  The major difference is that it is not protected.

For example, in a Type I building we will see columns and beams covered with fire resistive spray on material as seen in the first picture.  In a Type II building these columns and beams are not protected and will be exposed during a fire.

A Type II building can be sprinklered but is still considered Type II based on the rating of the structural components.  A rule of thumb is typically a Type II building will have rating requirements of one hour or less.  A Type I building will require a rating of components of two hours or more.  Again, this is a rule of thumb and not always the case in all examples and codes.

Just remember, that the structural components will be attacked quickly in Type II buildings because they are not protected with any fire resistive materials.

I know this is pretty basic stuff but I find it to be a good reminder of what we are looking at when we get around to these buildings.  Chiefs and company officers must know the differences and be able to expect the building to react certain ways based on the type of construction.  We all know that the building type and materials can affect how we attack the fire and deploy our people.

Stay safe and be careful.

Thoughts and prayers with the CFD and all families and friends affected.

Posted by on December 27, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Type I Construction

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We hear it all of the time in the fire service and many of us agree; we don’t spend enough time training and learning building construction and fire behavior. So, in the spirit of practicing what I preach, here is a short lesson on Type I construction, or otherwise referred to Fire Resistive construction.

This first picture shows all non-combustible structural components of an addition to our local hospital. This is the basement, but the floor above is of similar design with interior wall studs of metal.

The floor above is concrete on metal decking, which you can see in this first picture.

You have a steel column, a steel beam with metal bar joists as the primary structural components with the exterior walls all of concrete.

As I mentioned before, the floor above is the same with the exception of the exterior walls being non-combustible metal stud walls.

Here is the same area from a different angle with a fire resistive coating sprayed on the structural members.

The data cable that you see is plenum rated and is for the computer and communications networking inside the facility.

In addition to the spray coating, the entire facility is fully sprinklered and has a monitored alarm.

The spray coating is designed to be applied to a specific thickness depending on the rating that is being achieved. Normally, and in this instance, a third party inspector is present to randomly inspect the thickness and provides a report to the building commissioner and the fire marshal.

What characteristics of this type of construction are important when sizing up a building like this?

What are some tactical importances in regards to operating at this building or one of Type I construction?

If you have any experiences or suggestions to add, please post them.

Stay safe and train hard,

Jason

Posted by on December 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire sprinklers, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, i joists, inspections, situational awareness, size up • Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Lucky Stop

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We recently had a fire in an apartment complex.  The apartments all have exterior entrances independent of each other.  They are two stories in height and the landings from the upper floor units are unprotected treated lumber.

These were built prior to my current position and I don’t remember what year they were built, but I am guessing that they are about 12 years old.  The fire started in a plastic planter that was next to the door and had what the tenant called “very old” potting soil in it.  The tenant used the planter as a receptacle for her cigarettes.

Plastic Planter

As the fire grew, it spread to the vinyl siding and got into the soffit and on into the attic. Luckily the tenant happened to wake up and noticed a glow on the porch; no smoke detectors were activated and the unit next door was vacant.

All occupants escaped with no injuries and fire crews quickly arrived and made a good find and stop.

When they started doing overhaul they noticed something a little different about the fire barrier between the two units.

As you look at the picture below, you will notice in the upper right hand side of the photo the charred truss chase that did not extend to the left due to the draft stopping.

Draft Stopping

However, this could have been worse because this should have been a continuous fire barrier between the two units.  In addition the draft stopping should be protecting both sides of the truss shown.

The problem that the builder ran into was that the truss did not line up with the separation wall and the code official at the time either missed it or let it slide.

It was a good example of how these measures work.  It was also a good opportunity to show the building manager how it worked and why it is important to do these things right.

If you get a chance to look at some of these buildings as they are going up, do so and look for these types of building components and fire stopping.  Oh, the ceiling did have the proper rating with two sheets of drywall.

Fire Stop the Breach

Also, that wire is a breach or penetration in the fire barrier/draft stop and should be fire stopped with rated, UL listed caulk.

Stay safe out there and be careful.

Posted by on October 26, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

What Do You See?

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I am a big fan of companies getting out and scoping out their response area. Just when you think you have seen it all, something catches your eye that you missed the other 100 times you passed it by.  We all know what I am talking about.

Look at the picture above. As a fire service leader, what do you see?  What have you learned from your years of experience and training about these types of buildings?

What is of significance?

What is of significance that you see right away but the new guy might not have a clue about?

As an officer that will be making the initial decisions on this building you have a great responsibility to know as much about this structure as you can.  It will certainly help you to make the best possible decision about your tactics.

Take the time to sit with your crews and look at the features of this building. What type of construction is it?  What type of occupancy is it?  Why are both so important?  It just might mean the difference of saving the occupants and yourself.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on July 28, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, rescues, residential sprinklers, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Apply the Lessons Learned

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With the fire service and others taking this day and weekend to remember the Charleston 9, along with other high profile LODD, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to look at how we can specifically apply the recommendations that were listed in the report on the Charleston Super Sofa Fire.

I am going to do this just one at a time and I will likely take several weeks to cover them all.  It is very likely that some will intermingle with others, and will be covered together.

Today I want to look at pre-incident planning.  For me, this starts with when the building is being built.   In reality, it is a combination of both, during construction and visits and regular intervals.

conduct pre-incident planning inspections of buildings within their jurisdictions to facilitate development of safe fireground strategies and tactics

Light weight, engineered floor joists.

Today, we stopped in on a new restaurant.  As you can see from the photo it is all light weight, engineered construction.

The comment was made that we need not enter this building if it burns.  Well, in an ideal world that is correct.

The fact is is that we just don’t know what we will be tasked with doing if this building catches fire.  We can’t predict what time of day or who will or will not be in it.  What we can do, however, is know what this building is made of and the hazards associated with those materials and products of construction.

We also must be prudent in our tactics when arriving, like lifting ceiling tiles before we get too far in the building, looking for fire running above us.

This visit provided some great information aside from the type of construction and those hazards associated with them.  First, the building is completely sprinklered.  That is a plus.  We located the FDC and the nearest hydrant.  Both good things.

Concealed spaces over the booths.

We found that this concealed space had sprinklers dropped down to the ceiling level, but none were in the space or immediately above it.  An easy place for fire to spread quickly.

As we discussed earlier in the post, most would say we don’t need to enter this building.  In theory I agree, but we never know what we are facing when we arrive.

Something that we learned was that there is an area on the east side of this building, Side D, that is built with dimensional lumber and is sprinklered as well. The roof construction is not truss and the walls are all dimensional studs.  What can we take away from this?

Side D construction was different than the rest of the building.

We discussed that if there needed to be an attempt to make entry, it would be best to try to take a stand from this area. It is not part of the rest of the roof system and will likely hold up a little longer with the dimensional lumber.

Another idea was that RIT would be staged near this entrance if there would happen to be interior crews making a rescue or knocking down what was perceived as a small fire.  They know that there is a straight shot to the middle of the building through a more secure type of construction.

With all that being said, accessibility to the building needs to be looked at; where will multiple units be staged?  Where will you place ladders and are there overhead dangers?

It is important to look at all of these factors to make a good decision based on prior knowledge.  We also understand that Plan A doesn’t always work so have a Plan B ready based on the planning you did on the building.

There are many other components about pre-incident planning that I didn’t mention, but hopefully you get the point.  Get out and visit these sites.  Be involved and have discussions about how you would perform at a fire here.

Above all, don’t let the lives lost at any LODD be lives lost in vain.  Learn from their mistakes, but don’t be critical, we have all screwed up and been lucky enough to get away with it.  Be constructive and train on the recommendations so that you don’t repeat history.

Stay safe and please, never forget those lost in the line of duty.  We owe them our promise to train hard and to learn from them.

Posted by on June 18, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire sprinklers, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, i joists, in-the-line-of-duty, inspections, line-of-duty, RIT, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Is Above You?

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If you pulled up on this store front or one like it, what is your first course of action?

With a fire or just a haze, one of the first things that needs to be done, with an attack line ready, is to start looking above the drop ceiling.  Even if it is drywall, you have to see what is above you in these occupancies.

These types of occupancies are found in fast food establishments, sit down restaurants and strip mall type buildings.  Most of these new commercial buildings are all light weight, truss, engineered lumber construction.

By lifting the tiles and breaching the ceiling, we know how far the fire has advanced before committing people into these buildings.  The concealed spaces are important for initial fire attack in these situations.  It might indicate that the front door is as far as you go.

You have to consider, however, that the overhang outside the front door could be compromised if fire is found in the void spaces of the ceiling.  Fire could be racing through the soffit of the overhang out front.  Additional weight of signs will also cause early failure of these building features.

Remember to think on your feet and be sound in your decisions.  These decisions come from experience and training.  So, train hard and often.

Stay safe and be careful.

Photo from the Fillmore Gazette

Posted by on June 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire stopping, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, fires, i joists, RIT, situational awareness, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Light Weight Strip Malls

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Light weight construction is everywhere.

Light weight construction is everywhere.

This is a picture of some light weight trusses being set on a commercial building.

As you look at this building you can see that it seems to be a series of stores or spaces in a commercial building. Most likely a strip mall type building.

In the old days, these were block buildings with steel roof components, structurally speaking.  They were fairly sturdy buildings, still not great, but heavier construction.

Now, it is all light weight wood.  No doubt they will put a facade on this building that looks like rock or brick, but it is a house of commercial occupancies.  It is also easy to see how fast a fire in the concealed space will consume those truss members, causing very early failure.

In addition, remember what goes on top of these buildings; HVAC units.

Just be aware of what is in your area. Stop by and look at these buildings.  Make sure they are properly building fire barriers and walls with penetrations fire stopped.

Use your training and common sense when these buildings burn, they are dangerous in today’s fire service.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on March 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire stopping, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fire Stopping Pillows

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Pillows for fire stopping?

Pillows for fire stopping?

These are fire stopping pillows.  These, as you can see are used in fire walls/barriers for large openings.

They are typically used with large data trays or pass throughs that require a rated application.

The important thing to remember here is that there can only be spaces of a specific size.  If the spaces left between the pillows and the trays and walls is too large, it will not seal up correctly when heated.

Basically, the way that these pillows work is that when they are heated, they expand (the plastic will melt away) and fill the void.  This maintains the fire rating and prevents fire from spreading and smoke spread is contained.

There are several brands and each has it’s own specific way to apply it. Don’t forget, there must be an UL listing for each application and product to meet the minimum fire rating requirements.  Make the contractor produce this and show you that it is appropriate.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on March 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education • Tagged: , , , , ,

Firestopping Collars

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Fire Stopping Collars

Fire Stopping Collars

I got a lot of interest over the fire stopping sleeve, so, I thought I would show you all this.

These collars are used for pipe penetrations through rated floor/ceiling assemblies.

The material inside the collar is like the fire putty or caulk and will expand when heated.

These typically will be wrapped around PVC or plastic piping. However, you need to make sure that the system meets UL listed requirements for this type of system.

Basically, each type of pipe and size have different listings and uses depending on the rating required. It gets complicated, but you need to ask the contractor to provide the appropriate listing and you need to ensure that the appropriate materials are being used and the rating is met.

These penetrations have to be protected and these collars do that.  It allows penetrations in rated floors and ceilings without compromising safety.

Stay safe and inspect regularly.

Posted by on February 16, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping • Tagged: , , , , ,

Vertical Fire Stopping

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Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

This is a good picture of vertical fire stopping.

These penetrations need to be appropriately fire stopped in order to maintain the fire separation rating of that floor/ceiling assembly.

This is a large space that was fire stopped and the inspector needs to make sure the materials were UL listed and applied correctly.

Many times, especially with caulking, it is only effective for filling a certain size space but will be used in much larger spaces because the contractor did not read the UL listing for application.

There should be no gaps or spaces for heat and smoke to get through.  This kind of material will swell, creating a hard air-tight obstacle for fire and smoke.

Stay safe and fire prevention needs to be everyday.  This stuff is your first step to situational awareness.

Posted by on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , ,

Thomas Hotel Fire, 1961

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Photo of the Thomas Hotel
Photo of the Thomas Hotel

At least 38 were injure and 20 dead after a fire started in the room of a tenant on Jan. 6, 1961.  The fire was originally to have been extinguished, but it proved to be a mistake.

There were approximately 150 occupants in the Hotel at the time of the fire and many had jump from upper story windows to escape the fire and smoke.

When the mattress first caught fire from careless smoking, the tenant and a neighbor thought they had put it out.  By not calling the fire department, the mattress was not removed from the room and building and it re-lit later on.

The fire marshal at the time, Albert Hayes, stated in the newspapers that the rapid spread of smoke and fire was caused by doors being left open. He began a push to require changes in the building and fire codes to mandate all stairways and corridors to be protected with fire resistant doors.

Another example of a fire claiming lives that could have been prevented. IF they would have called the fire department, which had automatic alarms been installed may have happen, the mattress would likely have been removed.

IF the door to the stairs would have been closed and rated, the smoke and fire spread would not have been as fast and widespread as it was.

Fire codes make a difference. Be thorough and enforce them. It takes only a small event to cause a catastrophy.

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

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What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

This is a great picture of how fire stopping is done.

As you can see, one penetration has been fire caulked while the one right next to it has  not been.

Many times each subcontractor will be responsible for doing his own fire stopping.  This at times will get confusion for some generals as to who has done what.

On other occasions, this may be an existing building that a new utility was added to and nobody bothered to do any fire stopping.

When accepting fire stopping make sure that the product and the application are compatible with the proper UL listing.  Each manufacturer has different products and applications, but they need to meet the appropriate UL listing.

In addition, depending on what type of occupancy this is, those wires may need to  be plenum rated.  Ask for specifications and ensure that the materials being used are appropriate.

Stay safe and I will be posting more on fire stopping.  It is crucial in keeping fire travel to a minimum.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,